Origins of Mothering Sunday/Mother's Day

Mothering Sunday/Mother’s Day

Mother's Day celebrations date back as far as the ancient Greeks where they would celebrate Rhea (Titaness), the Mother of the Gods and Goddesses, every spring with festivals of worship.

The Romans had mother Goddess, Cybele, she was the mistress of wild nature (symbolized by her constant companion, the lion), and was celebrated every March as far back as 250BC.

Mothering Sunday originates from religious beginnings. Held on the fourth Sunday in Lent, it was a day to give thanks to the Virgin Mary (Mother Mary). People were required to visit the main church/cathedral (Mother Church) in the area, as opposed to their nearest chapel (daughter church) to celebrate. This has taken place in the UK and Ireland since the 16th century.

Originally such celebrations probably adopted, the Roman ceremonies of the Mother Goddess. However with the passing of time the celebrations became an occasion to thank and appreciate all mothers and Mothering Sunday as we now know it began.

America celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May. The holiday was formed much later than Mothering Sunday, and was created in 1908 by a lady named Anna Jarvis from Grafton, to celebrate her late mother. President Woodrow Wilson finally made it an official holiday for the US in 1914.

Many other countries adopted this date to celebrate, whilst other countries celebrate Mother’s Day on 8th March which is also International Women’s Day.

This Mother’s Day, why not treat your Mother to a print - photographic, artistic or with a more modern feel. It may be slightly more expensive than a bunch of flowers, but it will last a whole lot longer.
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